PSG battles Liverpool for the Ivorian sensation Yan Diomandé, while Leipzig fights to keep their rising star despite mounting interest from across Europe.
Paris Saint-Germain have stepped up their pursuit of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomandé, but the French champions face strong competition from Liverpool in the race for one of Europe's most sought-after young wingers.
According to Foot Mercato, PSG have identified Diomandé as a priority target as they look to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new season. The report states that several meetings have already taken place between the Parisian club and RB Leipzig, with sporting advisor Luis Campos actively working on potential reinforcements following PSG's historic campaign.
The need for another right-sided attacker has become increasingly apparent within the squad. While Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Bradley Barcola are more comfortable operating on the left flank, Ousmane Dembélé has increasingly been used in central areas. That leaves Désiré Doué and Lee Kang-in as the main alternatives on the right, a position PSG are keen to strengthen.
Diomandé has emerged as one of the standout candidates. The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at RB Leipzig after arriving from Leganés last summer. Despite his age, he established himself as a key figure for the Bundesliga side, contributing 13 goals and nine assists in 36 appearances across all competitions.
Foot Mercato further reported that Diomandé had given the green light to a move to Paris, a significant step in PSG's recruitment process. The report also claimed that the player was less convinced by interest from Bayern Munich, while remaining attracted by the possibility of joining Liverpool.
However, that information has since been challenged by Sky Germany. According to Florian Plettenberg, Diomandé has not given a commitment to either PSG or Liverpool despite reports suggesting otherwise. The German outlet maintains that both clubs are actively pursuing the winger, but no final decision has been made by the player regarding his future.
Liverpool's interest remains particularly strong. Sky Germany reports that the Premier League champions are doing everything possible to complete a deal before the Club World Cup, with Diomandé viewed as a major target for the future. Previous reports have even linked him with a potential long-term succession plan should Liverpool eventually need to replace Mohamed Salah.
Despite growing speculation, RB Leipzig are reportedly remaining calm about the situation. Club executives Oliver Mintzlaff, Jürgen Klopp and Marcel Schäfer are said to be confident that Diomandé will remain at the club for at least another season. Leipzig are also hopeful of convincing the winger to sign a new contract on improved terms, further strengthening their position.
That confidence is understandable given the player's current contractual situation. Diomandé remains under contract until 2030, meaning Leipzig are under no pressure to negotiate a sale this summer. Any interested club would likely need to present a significant offer to convince the Bundesliga side to part ways with one of their most valuable young assets.
For PSG, the challenge is now twofold. Firstly, the club must fend off Liverpool's advances in the battle for the player's signature. Secondly, it must find an agreement with Leipzig, who hold a strong negotiating position and have little incentive to sell.
What appears certain is that Diomandé will remain one of the most closely watched names on the transfer market in the coming weeks. With PSG and Liverpool both pushing for a deal and Leipzig determined to keep him, the future of the talented Ivorian winger remains one of the summer's most intriguing transfer stories.
